Electromagnetic field measurement is an important occupational hygiene assessment conducted to determine the electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic field levels generated around electrical equipment, power distribution systems, production machinery, and workplaces. Electrical distribution panels, transformers, electric motors, generators, welding systems, power cables, and high-current equipment can generate electromagnetic fields in the work environment.
The effect of electromagnetic fields on workers can vary depending on field frequency, intensity, distance to the source, exposure duration, and equipment operating conditions. For this reason, identifying field sources in workplaces, measuring worker exposure, and planning necessary control measures are of great importance.
WHAT IS AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD?
An electromagnetic field is the physical field formed around systems where electrical energy is generated, transmitted, or utilized. An electric field is produced around energized equipment, while a magnetic field is generated around conductors and devices through which electric current flows. Time-varying electric and magnetic fields are evaluated together as electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic field measurement enables the determination of quantities such as electric field strength, magnetic field strength, or magnetic flux density using instruments and probes suitable for the source, frequency, and operating conditions.
WHY IS ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MEASUREMENT IMPORTANT?
Electromagnetic field exposure cannot be assessed solely by the presence of equipment. The field level depends on many factors, including device power rating, drawn electrical current, operating mode, cabling layout, protective enclosures, distance of the worker to the source, and time spent in the field. Therefore, measurements must be conducted under actual field conditions to accurately assess risks.
Through electromagnetic field measurements:
- Electric and magnetic field sources in the work environment are identified
- Exposure levels at workers’ designated workstations are evaluated
- Machinery and zones where elevated fields may occur are detected
- Adequacy of control measures such as distance, guarding, shielding, and exposure duration is reviewed
- Results are evaluated against relevant regulations, standards, and exposure action values
- Measurement-based data is established for risk assessment and control planning
In conclusion, electromagnetic field measurement is an essential occupational hygiene study to determine employee exposure, identify hazardous work locations, and plan appropriate protective measures.
IN WHICH AREAS IS ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MEASUREMENT CONDUCTED?
Electromagnetic field measurements can be performed in work areas where electrical energy is heavily utilized or where high-current and high-powered electrical machinery is present. Measurement planning is prepared considering equipment utilized, operating frequencies, duty stations, and worker exposure duration.
- Electrical distribution panels, switchboards, and transformer stations
- Electric motors, generators, alternators, and UPS systems
- High-current power cables, busbar systems, and energy transmission lines
- Welding machines, resistance welding, and arc welding applications
- Induction heating, melting, and surface heat-treatment systems
- Manufacturing lines, automated systems, and high-power electrical machines
- Maintenance and repair workshops, testing laboratories, and technical rooms
HOW IS ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MEASUREMENT PERFORMED?
Prior to electromagnetic field measurement, field sources in the workplace, equipment operating frequencies, power ratings, and worker duty locations are inspected. Measurements are performed with instruments and probes having frequency ranges suitable for the characteristics of the source. Within the service scope of Haliç Occupational Hygiene Laboratory, electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields in the range of 0 Hz–1 MHz are evaluated in terms of workplace environment and personal exposure.
- Equipment and sources capable of generating electromagnetic fields are identified
- Operating modes, frequencies, and load conditions of machinery are documented
- Workers’ designated work positions and exposure durations are examined
- Appropriate measuring instruments and probes are selected for electric and magnetic fields
- Measurements are conducted around sources and at worker locations
- Results are compared with relevant criteria, evaluated, and reported
Since electromagnetic field levels may vary depending on equipment load and operating state, measurements are planned to represent normal operating conditions and, when necessary, operating modes representing worst-case exposure scenarios.
Which values are measured in electromagnetic field assessment?
Depending on the characteristics of the source and frequency, electric field strength, magnetic field strength, and magnetic flux density can be measured. The instrument, probe, and evaluation method are selected according to the target frequency range.
What is the difference between ambient measurement and personal exposure evaluation?
Ambient measurements determine field levels surrounding specific machinery and work areas. In personal exposure evaluation, the worker’s duty positions, distance to the source, working duration, and workflow are addressed together to evaluate actual exposure conditions.
When should electromagnetic field measurement be performed?
- In workplaces with high-power electrical machinery and installations
- When new machinery, transformers, control panels, or power systems are commissioned
- When equipment layout, capacity, or operating conditions are altered
- When workers perform tasks in close proximity to electromagnetic field sources
- When risk assessment indicates potential exposure concerns
- When deemed necessary by the occupational physician or OHS professional
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING
Haliç Occupational Hygiene Laboratory provides professional support to enterprises in electromagnetic field measurements in the 0 Hz–1 MHz range, workplace environment assessment, personal exposure evaluation, and reporting processes. Measurement results are reported considering equipment operating conditions, distance between source and worker, exposure duration, and relevant evaluation criteria.
In conclusion, enterprises can identify electromagnetic field sources and risk points to develop evidence-based control measures, such as increasing distance, access limitation, reorganizing machine layout, shielding, and scheduling work duration.
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